Ban on gang colours violates charter: Sask. judge

The legislation, which came into effect in 2004, prohibits anyone from going to a licensed drinking establishment while wearing “any sign, symbol, logo or other representation identifying, associated with or promoting a gang or a criminal organization.” A person violating the law can be fined up to $10,000 and sent to jail for up to a year for a first offence. The penalty increases to a fine of up to $25,000 and up to two years in jail for a subsequent violation. A judge may impose a fine, the jail term or both. But Judge Albert Lavoie threw out the charge against Bitz on Thursday, saying the section of the provincial legislation dealing with gang colours and clothing is too broad and violates everyone’s right to free expression.